FRA Regulations in CFR:
§ 221.13 Marking device display.
(a) During the periods prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section, each train to which this part applies that occupies or operates on main track shall (1) be equipped with, (2) display on the trailing end of the rear car of that train, and (3) continuously illuminate or flash a marking device prescribed in this subpart.

(b) Unless equipped with a functioning photoelectric cell activation mechanism complying with paragraph (c) of this section, the marking devices prescribed by this subpart shall be illuminated continuously or flash during the period between one hour before sunset and one hour after sunrise, and during all other hours when weather conditions so restrict visibility that the end silhouette of a standard box car cannot be seen from 1/2 mile on tangent track by a person having 20/20 corrected vision.

Pretty sure there was less than an hour to sunset judging by the video.

Hello, I just moved to NJ and recently found out there are tracks behind my house. Said tracks are rarely used and run through Monroe/Cranbury, crossing Prospect Plains Rd. My question is this: how could I go about finding out more about the trains that run on these tracks?

Hello, I just moved to NJ and recently found out there are tracks behind my house. Said tracks are rarely used and run through Monroe/Cranbury, crossing Prospect Plains Rd. My question is this: how could I go about finding out more about the trains that run on these tracks?

That RR line is in use and has active customers in the industrial park north of Prospect Plains Road. I believe it is served by Csao SA31 crew out of Browns Yard (Old Bridge) on Fridays. You can probably learn more on the Browns Yard topic on this forum.
And welcome to NJ.

FLtoNJ wrote:Hello, I just moved to NJ and recently found out there are tracks behind my house. Said tracks are rarely used and run through Monroe/Cranbury, crossing Prospect Plains Rd. My question is this: how could I go about finding out more about the trains that run on these tracks?

Judging from your descriptions, you are talking about the Hightstown Industrial Track, and yes R&DB, it is served by the SA-31. I'm not sure about on Fridays, but your guess is better than mine .

snavely wrote:Video shows a whole lot of rocking going on- starts to make me seasick...also looks like no FRED on the tail end.

And oh yeah. In my opinion, Sycamore Ave. is THE worst area of track on the entire SOUS.

Permission on Church at 3:00 PM
Permission to open up 3:30 PM
Lined and locked normal 3:41 PM. Signal indication at RARE

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer."http://www.youtube.com/user/thezyrisawesome" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Jersey Shore Rail Productions

FLtoNJ wrote:Hello, I just moved to NJ and recently found out there are tracks behind my house.

I can't help but say this... how in the world can somebody in 2019 buy a home and not know there's an active railroad behind the house?
For that matter a school, junkyard a super fund site?
I deliver mail for the USPS and I had a new resident come out of her house to ask Me why there were 23 school buses running down her street!!! I politely told her there was a Big Middle school located at the end of the street... end of the street was 8 houses away! Here response was priceless well that's going to stop tomorrow! LOL ! You plop down hard earned money on a 350k house and don't know what's in the area!
This was not aimed at the original posted to be mean spirited.
It seems to me he's kinda happy to have a train to watch for... but still the first line applies.

FLtoNJ wrote:Hello, I just moved to NJ and recently found out there are tracks behind my house.

I can't help but say this... how in the world can somebody in 2019 buy a home and not know there's an active railroad behind the house?
For that matter a school, junkyard a super fund site?
I deliver mail for the USPS and I had a new resident come out of her house to ask Me why there were 23 school buses running down her street!!! I politely told her there was a Big Middle school located at the end of the street... end of the street was 8 houses away! Here response was priceless well that's going to stop tomorrow! LOL ! You plop down hard earned money on a 350k house and don't know what's in the area!
This was not aimed at the original posted to be mean spirited.
It seems to me he's kinda happy to have a train to watch for... but still the first line applies.

That women is a very good example of what a NIMBY is. Whines their arse off over stuff they could've avoided. (Not all NIMBYs are like that, some just complain of the noise and stuff. My counter is, what is more important? Your life or your peace and quiet to watch crappy soap operas?)

SA-31 has permission on Church with 12 cars... 3:07 PM
Permission to open up at 3:29 PM
Lined and locked normal 3:39 PM

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer."http://www.youtube.com/user/thezyrisawesome" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Jersey Shore Rail Productions